Power switching circuits and power management techniques are provided that can reduce static power of ICs, including digital core processors. In one embodiment, the power switching circuit includes a footer (power-gating transistor) between the core and a ground rail and at least two additional power-gating transistors parallel to the footer. The power-gating transistors are controlled by respective control signals to enable selective switching. In a specific embodiment, for each sleep mode, at most, a single one of the transistors is turned on. Multiple sleep modes are accomplished according to the relative sizing of the additional power-gating transistors. A larger of the additional transistors is used to provide a standby mode during short idling times by providing a fast wake-up time and some reduction in static power. For standby modes during longer idling periods, smaller sized transistors are turned on. For longest idling periods, all transistors are turned off.